ConnectMaine Grant will allow more residents to benefit from gigabit speeds

Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) a leading broadband and business communications provider, today announced it’s bringing Fidium Fiber internet service to more rural Maine residents and businesses in Maine. In partnership with Searsport, aided by a $2 million grant from ConnectMaine Authority, Consolidated will bring reliable gigabit fiber internet to 2,000 homes in the town.

“Searsport has been working on getting quality internet for its residents for several years,” said Peggy Schaffer, executive director, ConnectMaine Authority. “This partnership between Consolidated Communications, Searsport and ConnectMaine brings those plans to fruition. Communities across Maine need to have access to this valuable infrastructure for broadband. Consolidated Communications is a great partner to work with to get this project done. It’s exciting to see a community get this quality of internet with the help of a ConnectMaine Grant.”

The new network in Searsport is part of Consolidated’s ongoing work to build fiber-to-the-premises broadband networks to more than 70% of its service area, including more than 450,000 homes in Maine, by 2025.

The state of Maine, which ranks 32nd in broadband access, is making significant progress improving connectivity in rural areas thanks to recent local, state and federal funding opportunities and through public-private partnerships, like this one, with providers.

“The Town of Searsport is very pleased with its Broadband Committee and Consolidated Communications in getting to this point,” said James Gillway, town manager. “Four years ago, we began working on developing a fiber network benefiting every household in the town, and our citizens conveyed their confidence in us by voting to move forward. The Broadband Grant, awarded by ConnectMaine, will ensure the project is completed at a reasonable expense to our taxpayers and will improve the lives of every resident in Searsport.”

“Super-fast internet is no longer something that’s nice to have for rural areas, too,” said Erik Garr, president of consumer and small business for Consolidated. “Whether you need access to broadband to work, learn or play, everyone, anywhere in the community, wins when they can tap into the speeds and reliability Fidium offers. And, our partnership with ConnectMaine means even more residents will benefit.”

Fidium offers symmetrical (that’s same upload and download) speeds that are 10 times faster than the national average [1]. Gig-speed fiber internet will be available for $70 per month, including installation and whole-home mesh WiFi. Other high-speed fiber plans start at just $35 per month and discounts are available to eligible households through the Affordable Connectivity Plan.

Every Fidium Fiber internet plan offers:

• Simple, affordable pricing ($70 per month for Gigabit service) that includes equipment and installation, with no required bundles, no hidden fees, no data caps and no contract;
• Whole-home mesh WiFi gateway enabling faster speeds and wider coverage;
• The Attune WiFi whole-home management app providing network visibility, age-appropriate content settings, time of day access control, speed tests and more;
• Easy, hassle-free installation on your schedule with text updates and two-hour appointment windows;
• Intuitive customer portal with self-service options; and
• Real time, proactive network monitoring to solve issues remotely and ensure the best internet performance.

Work is well underway across the state to connect more than 150,000 Mainers to Fidium by the end of this year with construction on the Searsport network scheduled to begin in the first half of 2023. To pre-order or sign up to be notified when service is available, visit FidiumFiber.com.

About Consolidated Communications

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL) is dedicated to moving people, businesses and communities forward by delivering the latest reliable communications solutions. Consumers, businesses and wireless and wireline carriers depend on Consolidated for a wide range of high-speed internet, data, phone, security, cloud and wholesale carrier solutions. With a network spanning more than 50,000 fiber route miles, Consolidated is a top 10 U.S. fiber provider, turning technology into solutions that are backed by exceptional customer support. Learn more at consolidated.com. Connect with us on social media.

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